Essay Writing Advice

Writing an Essay

Sciences Good Study Guide – Chapter 9, Section 5.4 (p256)

Also - Section 3.1, 5.2 and 5.3

The Sandwich Model…

Introduction

Main Section

Conclusion

Introduction

Keep it brief.
Explain the approach you will be taking. –This is what I’m gonna say.
Give the broad picture – then focus in.
Explain key terms.

Main section

This is where you should present your arguments, in a clear and logical order.

Conclusion

Keep it brief.
Summarise the major points. – This is what I’ve said.
Don’t introduce new arguments.
Compare with intro. The comparison should show how your main section has added to the topic.

Four Hints for Good Writing

SGSG p232

Write in proper sentences.

Using good English to form a well constructed sentence makes an essay much easier to read. This means that the examiner will get the impression that the essay has a much better flow of ideas.

Make each sentence convey a single and particular point.

Try to keep sentences short and to the point. A long rambling sentence that consists of numerous sub-clauses and that rambles over many different points, as well as sounding old-fashioned, can very easily confuse your reader, especially if you separate the object and the verb by a lot of words, forcing them to read the whole essay haltingly. Keep it snappy.

Write sentences that are concise.

At this moment in time you are probably able to think of numerous examples of situations where you have used words in an excessive fashion.

Write sentences that are precise.

Say what you mean. And make sure that what you’ve said does mean what you want it to mean. Obeying Hints 2 and 3 make it very difficult to break Hint 4.

Structure

Use paragraphs.

Paragraphs help break up your text into bite-sized chunks.
Paragraphs should group together sentences that relate to the same subject. A change of emphasis requires a new paragraph.
Don’t be afraid of short paragraphs.

Use Link words.

These are words or phrases that link sentences or paragraphs. Again, they help the flow of the essay.

READ IT OUT LOUD

Yes, I know – broken record time. But it really is the only way to be sure that an essay flows well. If it sounds wrong when you (or someone else) reads it aloud – then it’ll sound wrong when somebody reads it.